Page 13 of Vincenzo's Promise
“I think we got off on the wrong foot a few weeks ago, and you may have taken something I said the wrong way,” he said. “I wish I could have gotten in touch with you sooner, but business has been hectic, and I’ve been traveling nonstop, which is why I’m in town. I wanted to apologize in person and take you out to dinner to beg you for your forgiveness. On bended knee if I have to.”
“Well, that’s not necessary. I mean dinner, that is, or the begging.” I laughed. It was shocking how easy it was to joke and talk to him. “I accept your apology, and there are no hard feelings. My father warned me that many in your circle wouldn’t accept me, and that’s fine if you can’t, but I’m proud of who I am regardless of what any of you think.”
“That may be true for some in our circle as you put it, but one thing you will learn about me is that I’m not like other men, and definitely not like the men in my world.”
“Your actions say otherwise, Zo,” I said. “I saw the way you and the other man looked at me when you found out who I was.”
“Yes, I won’t lie it was a shock, but you’ve misinterpreted my reaction,” he responded. “I wasn’t disappointed with you like you may think. You just weren’t what I was expecting.
“And there’s a difference?”
“There is, and I can admit to you that you weren’t what I imagined, but you are a gorgeous and intelligent woman, Bella.Definitelynot what I was expected, and definitely not upset. And you should be proud of who you are and all that you’ve accomplished under the circumstances.”
I ignored his excuse. I wouldn’t argue something he would deny, anyway. It hadn’t been disgust in his eyes when he’d looked at me. It had been very much the opposite. However, he’d definitely had an oh-shit-what-am-I’m-supposed-to-do-with-her moment.
“So, you’re still interested in going through with this marriage, even though I’m sure you will receive some backlash. At least, that’s what my father says.”
“Bella, this is the reason we must sit and talk.” His sigh echoed through the receiver. “We have a lot to discuss and even more to learn about one another and what may be coming our way.”
“And what do you think will be coming our way?”
“I’m not sure, but a marriage between the two of us will be going against long held traditions. You already know this because it’s the same thing your father faced with your mother, but unlike him, I refuse to give in and let go of what I want.”
“So, you want me?” I asked.
“What sane man wouldn’t?” he responded.
His nonchalant response stunned me, although it shouldn’t have. He seemed like the type of man to say what was on his mind and gave the truth whether one wanted to hear it or not.
“But we have to be prepared for anything and everything,” he continued. “As for your safety, there’s nothing for you to worry about. As my wife, I will protect you with my life.”
“I’m not concerned about what will come against us,” I reassured him. “I’m sure you and my father will handle whatever needs to be handled. I’m simply curious as to why you think all this is worth it. I’m sure you can have any woman you want. Why me?”
“Something for us to sit and talk about,” he responded, dodging the question, “and get to know one another in the process since we will be spending the rests of our lives together.”
“I want to get to know you just as much as you want to know me.”
“Great, so we agree on something. I feel like we’re making progress,” he said, causing me to laugh. “So, this date...when will you be free? I know being a doctor you must have a busy schedule. I’ll be in town for the next couple of days on business, and I was hoping we could get together before I head back home if that’s possible.”
“Well, it’s your lucky day, Zo. I’m off today and tomorrow. Then, there’s no telling when my next free day will be unless I decide to take a vacation, which I rarely do.”
“It does sound like it is my lucky day.” He laughed. “Well, since it’s so late, I won’t ask you to get all dolled up tonight, but how about tomorrow at seven?”
“Seven is great.”
“I’ll send a car, then.”
“That’s not necessary. If you’re not coming to pick me up personally, I would rather drive myself.”
“Bella, can I ask you a question, and you give me an honest answer?”
“You can, and I’ll I always be honest with you.”
“Well, that’s definitely good to know.” He was silent for a minute. “I want to know what you honestly expect of me?”
“I expect you to treat me with the respect I deserve,” I replied. “Which means if you’re taking me on a date, Vincenzo De Maio, I expect you to pick me up, like a normal person, not send some car service. If not, I have no problem driving myself.”
His laugh was infectious, and my heart soared. What the hell was wrong with me? This man was not seriously trying to date me because he enjoyed my company. Of course, he wanted me; he’d admitted that. But this date and marriage were for his benefit, not mine. I couldn’t get my hopes up for something that might never be, but despite his reasoning for pursuing this, he could treat me like a lady. I would accept nothing less.
